College application checklist: What you need to apply to college
From essays to transcripts, here’s how to make your college application stand out
Applying to college isn’t just another item on your to-do list; it’s a major milestone. It marks the shift from high school to your next chapter, and with so many moving parts, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But with a clear college application checklist, you can take control of the process and move forward with confidence.
Whether you’re a high school junior just getting started or a senior in the thick of the process, this step-by-step college application checklist has you covered. It outlines everything you need, transcripts, essays, deadlines, and more, to help you stay organized, focused, and ready to hit submit.
Begin your Bearcats journey
Step 1: Understand what’s required on a college application
While every school has its own process, most college applications include similar components. Here's what you’ll typically need to prepare:
College application requirements checklist:
A completed application, whether through the Common App or a university-specific form
High school transcript
If required, your ACT or SAT scores. Many schools, including UC, are test-optional!
A personal essay and/or short answer questions that help you stand out
One to three letters of recommendation
A resume that highlights a list of your activities, honors, and leadership experience
Your application fee. UC waives fees if you’re Pell Grant eligible, and for those students who submit a NACAC Fee Waiver
Program-specific materials, like a creative portfolio, pre-screening audition or interviews,
Next step: Review UC’s undergraduate admissions requirements to make sure you have everything you need if you’re applying to become a Bearcat.
Step 2: Plan ahead by grade
The earlier you start, the smoother it goes. Use this college planning checklist to guide your next steps:
High school junior year college app checklist: Lay the groundwork
Start researching majors and college programs
Register for and prepare to take standardized tests
Visit college campuses or attend virtual tours and fairs
Build a resume of your extracurriculars and achievements
Identify potential teachers or mentors for recommendation letters
Explore financial aid and scholarship options
Next step: Schedule a UC campus tour or explore a virtual visit to start imagining your future here.
High school senior year college app checklist: Put it all together
Finalize your list of schools and double-check their deadlines
Draft and revise your personal statement and essays
Submit transcript and letter requests early
Complete and submit applications
File the FAFSA starting Oct. 1
Monitor application portals and email for updates or additional steps
Next step: Start your UC application and stay ahead of key deadlines.
Step 3: Sample college application timeline
A timeline keeps you moving at a steady pace. Here's a sample college application timeline to keep you on track:
Timeframe |
What to Do |
Spring (junior year) |
Research colleges, register for tests, and visit campuses |
Summer (before senior year) |
Draft essays, gather materials, start Common App |
Fall (senior year) |
Finalize applications, send transcripts, and apply for aid |
Winter (senior year) |
Track decisions, submit remaining materials |
Spring (senior year) |
Review offers, compare aid, and make your college choice |
Step 4: College application organization tips
When you’re juggling multiple schools, deadlines, and docs, organization is everything. Here are some tips to keeping it all together:
Create a central spreadsheet with each college’s requirements
Use Google Drive or a cloud folder to save essays, transcripts and resumes
Set deadline reminders one to two weeks out to avoid last-minute stress
Use a dedicated email for college correspondence
Next step: Set up a college applications folder on Google Drive and begin saving your documents in one place.
College application FAQ
A: Not necessarily. The University of Cincinnati is test-optional, which means you can choose whether to submit scores.
A: Most colleges, including UC, ask for one to three. Choose teachers who know you well academically and can speak to your strengths.
A: Fee waivers are available via the Common App or through your counselor. UC waives fees for Pell-eligible students.
Still have questions? Explore UC’s High School Student FAQ for helpful answers.
Final thoughts: Focus on progress, not perfection
You don’t have to have all the answers today. What matters most is making progress – one checklist item at a time. Use this college application checklist to guide your progress and give yourself space to grow throughout the process. Start early, stay organized, and don’t be afraid to ask questions along the way.